First met McIlroy as a toddler at Holywood Golf Club and has coached him since he was seven. Bannon continued working with McIlroy throughout his teens despite moving from Holywood to Bangor Golf Club and was the first to identify him as a potential world No 1. McIlroy recently persuaded him to turn his back on being a club pro and from next month will be his dedicated coach.

Putting coach Dave Stockton

Linked up with the former Ryder Cup captain in the wake of his Masters meltdown. McIlroy was more concerned with his putting that the hook which led to the disastrous treble-bogey seventh on the 10th. Stockton urged Mcilroy to forget about the mechanics and revert to his natural feel. The improvement has been stunning.

McIlroy has remained steadfastly loyal to JP Fitzgerald, who was widely criticised after last year’s ill-fated Masters. Famously, McIlroy lost his temper with one commentator who questioned Fitzgerald’s course management, telling him to “shut up” and calling him “a failed golfer”. “He’s more than a caddie, he’s my friend,” says McIlroy.

Fitness advisor Steve McGregor

McIlroy pleaded with McGregor to carry on working with him when the Englishman was considering lightening his workload. Much in demand, McGregor also oversees the fitness regime of Lee Westwood and is a consultant with a number of professional teams, including Manchester City and the New York Knicks. The transformation in McIlroy’s bodyshape has been extraordinary, losing all the puppy fat without bulking up too much.

Manager Conor Ridge

McIlroy surprised many by leaving Chubby Chandler’s ISM agency last year. Introduced to Chandler by Darren Clarke the pair had been “associated” since he was in his early teens. He joined Horizon Sports, set up in 2005 by masters graduate Conor Ridge. In the fall-out from Mcilroy’s switch, Ridge has purposefully stayed in the background.

Girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki

Nobody should underestimate the influence of the Danish tennis player. The pair met at ringside last year’s Haye-Klitschko fight and McIlroy soon broke off a long-term relationship to be with her.

In some respects their careers have gone in opposite directions. From being world No 1, Wozniacki’s form has worsened while after a mini slump, McIlroy’s has risen to new heights. “We’re lucky to have found each other,” says McIlroy. “It’s good to have someone there who understands.”